Biomarkers of Heavy Drinking
Biomarkers of Heavy Drinking John P. Allen, Ph.D., M.P.A.,* Pekka Sillanaukee, Ph.D.,† Nuria Strid, Ph.D.,‡ and Raye Z. Litten, Ph.D.§ *Scientific Consultant to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD †Tampere University Hospital, Research Unit and Tampere University, Medical School, Tampere, Finland ‡NS Associates, Stentorp, Sweden §Chief, Treatment Research Branch, Division of Clinical and Prevention Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD In recent years significant advances have been markers for which fully automated test procedures made in biological assessment of heavy drinking. have yet to be developed. These advances include development of new labo Third, the expertise required to ensure valid ratory tests, formulation of algorithms to combine results from biomarkers is somewhat different from results on multiple measures, and more extensive that needed to obtain maximally valid self-report applications of biomarkers in alcoholism treat information, where rapport, assurance of confiden ment and research. tiality, motivation for honesty, current state of sobri Biomarkers differ from the psychometric ety, and testing conditions are important measures discussed in other chapters of this Guide considerations. The accuracy of biomarker informa in at least four major ways. Most importantly, they tion is rarely a function of sample collection, but do not rely on valid self-reporting, and, hence, are rather is closely related to sample handling, storage, not vulnerable to problems of inaccurate recall or and transmittal; quality assurance of laboratory reluctance of individuals to give candid reports of procedures for isolation of the biomarker; and their drinking behaviors or attitudes.
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